''Back Street,'' a best-selling romance novel by Fannie Hurst, was originally published as a serial in Cosmopolitan under the title Grand Passion before its 1931 novel release. It remains a definitive "woman's picture" of its era, exploring themes of devotion, sacrifice, and the social stigma of adultery.
The story follows Ray Schmidt, a selfless young woman who falls deeply in love with Walter Saxel, a wealthy man. Due to a series of fateful missed connections and social pressures, Walter marries another woman, but Ray remains his devoted secret mistress for over 30 years.
Ray lives in the "back streets" of Walter's life, staying hidden from his family and society while depending on him financially. Ray gives up her own career, social standing, and the chance for children to remain available for Walter's brief visits. The novel highlights the contrast between the "respectable" public life Walter maintains and the isolated, often impoverished reality Ray faces, especially toward the end of her life.
